Cost of Living in Urbandale, IA
Population 46,026 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Urbandale's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $113,086 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 10 miles west of Des Moines, Urbandale falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 74% higher than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Urbandale
The median home value in Urbandale is $318,800 — 5% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,176/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,086/year is 52% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Urbandale has a cost of living index of 99 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Urbandale, IA?
Urbandale has a cost index of 99 (100 = national average). It is 1% below the national average.
What is average rent in Urbandale, IA?
The median gross rent in Urbandale is $1,176 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Urbandale?
The median home value in Urbandale is $318,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Urbandale?
The median household income in Urbandale is $113,086 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Urbandale, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Urbandale is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Urbandale, IA affordable?
Urbandale is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 99 (100 = US average).
Urbandale at a Glance
- Population
- 46,026
- Median Income
- $113,086
- Home Value
- $318,800
- Median Rent
- $1,176/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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